Do Free Items Count?

I went to the dentist the other day, and they gave me my requisite free samples of Crest toothpaste and (some brand name I can't recall off the top of my head) dental floss. I, being frugal, naturally accepted (sans little plastic bag to carry home in) all three items, and headed home.

So my question is, do these freebies count towards my Sept. goal of 1)reducing personal care product usage (neither tooth brushing nor flossing has ever been on the list to eliminate!) and 2)buying low-er impact products?

Hmmmm. Maybe I should have passed on the freebies.

I actually have passed on regular floss before. I have very tight teeth and floss just shreds in my mouth. I have specific requirements on floss; their new brand meets my requirements. And, oddly enough, my hygienist is very green and eco-minded and does not use traditional products either. In fact, she rarely even offers me the toothpaste because I don't use it ... but it was cinnamon flavored and I love cinnamon.

Anyway, I guess this is a failure then. Turns out so far I have not had to purchase any personal care products so far this month. So maybe this was not a good month to adopt this particular change. Ah, it is sort of a freebie now!